Cost Of Livin’ High And Goin’ Up
I attended the National Association of Broadcasters meeting in Chicago this month and a lot of the meeting was really good. There were great panels, great food, and good networking. But some of it was upsetting.
The networking is what I want to talk about. We also saw it this year at the Country Radio Seminar. I used to be the research committee chairman for the CRB and every year “networking” came back as the most important feature of the Seminar.
But networking has gotten desperate in the last few years.
“Everythin’ to know about me is written on this page
A number you can reach me, my social and my age.”
You can see it in a guy’s eyes. There is still a good degree of pride but there is also fear—not that the business has passed them by, but that others may think that of them. Fear that they still have two kids in high school and college is right around the corner. Fear that the longer away from the only thing they know, knows no mercy.
“I work weekends if I have to. Nights and holidays.
Give you forty and then some. Whatever it takes.”
It’s not just the radio side of the business that is suffering. Record sales have taken terrible hits in the last five years. Staffs and labels are impacted to their core. These are good people who believe deeply in their artists and love the music. But there is no longer room for them on the promotion and marketing side.
“Gave my last job everythin’ before it headed south.
Took the shoes off my children’s feet and food out of their mouths.”
The bad economic news is all over the radio and TV. Our nation’s unemployment rate has been over 9% for what feels like forever now. I don’t know what the real damage is in our industries. I know that a lot of emails have gone from corporate to Yahoo and that is sad.
“I work sunup to sundown. Ain’t too proud to sweep the floors
and the bank started callin’ and the wolves are at my door.”
I am not smart enough to have a solution to this. Unless President Obama’s jobs plan mandates that consumers have to buy physical CDs and automobiles (radio’s number one sponsor), I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Savings aren’t supposed to save you—they are supposed to soften the landing.
Consumers have decided to add 30,000 miles to their odometer and continue to buy single cuts…when they buy them at all. A lot of the conversation at the NAB was about digital: how great digital is, how to use digital, and why digital is our salvation.
Well ask Sony, Universal, EMI and WB how much they love digital and downloading. Ask Cumulus, CBS and Entercom how much they love digital (read: Pandora, Spotify, etc.)
I am not a Luddite about the Internet. I know that the business is evolving and that we all have to keep up with it. We have to learn how to take advantage of it in everything we do but that pain in the eyes of guys who have worked at five stations or four labels and don’t see a bright future are not at fault for not staying up to date. They are just the consequences of this progress.
I am not saying that you take in an unemployed radio family. You don’t have to send money to out of work label people. But you can think of them. You can pray for them and you can keep your eyes open for them in your company.
“Three Dollars and change at the pump.
The cost of livin’ high and going’ up.”
[Songwriters: Philip Coleman and Ronnie Dunn]
By the way, Ronnie sang this song at the Marconi dinner and received a standing ovation. How often do you see that from a crowd of broadcasters?
Hall Of Fame Exhibit To Feature Owens And Haggard
/by Caitlin RantalaNarrated by Dwight Yoakam, the exhibit is an exploration of how Owen, Haggard, the Buckaroos and the Strangers played a significant role in developing the Bakersfield sound. The exhibit will additionally focus on publishing houses, recording studios, booking, management agencies, performance venues and Bakersfield’s music businesses. Ken Nelson’s role will also be a focal point, as the Capitol Records producer recorded many of Owen’s and Haggard’s songs. Key musicians include steel guitar innovator Ralph Mooney, Telecaster ace Roy Nichols and lead guitarist/harmony vocalist Don Rich.
“Long before the Outlaws or alternative country, the Bakersfield Sound evolved specifically to suit a time and a place, made an indelible mark on popular music, and spawned two of the most charismatic stars in the firmament.” said Museum Director Kyle Young.
The Bakersfield Sound will be a part of an ongoing series of school and family programs. The series involves live performances, panel discussions, films, instrument demonstrations and more. The exhibit will run from Mar. 24, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2013.
Party Pics: Leadership Music Reunion
/by Sarah SkatesLeadership Music hosted an Alumni Reunion at the Noah Liff Opera Center last week (9/13). See party pics below and full Bobby Karl coverage here (subscribers only).
Leadership Music’s Karen Oertley and City National Bank's Diane Pearson
(L-R): R&J Records’ Tim McFadden, musician Jonathan Yudkin, songwriter Fred Knobloch
(L-R): producer Garth Fundis and Curb’s John Ozier
(L-R): publicist Cathy Gurley, CMA’s Sheri Warnke, CMA’s Tammy Donham
Weekly Chart Report (9/23/11)
/by FreemanSPIN ZONE
Crosswind recording artist Teea Goans (R) recently visted with Larry Moffit from KDKD/Clinton, MO at the "Music on Main Street" Festival in Teea's hometown Lowry City, MO. Teea’s current single "Letter From God” is at No. 48 on the CountryBreakout Chart.
George Strait gets a second turn in the CountryBreakout Chart’s No. 1 spot with “Here For A Good Time,” as Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” starts to put on a little pressure at No. 2. Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl” moves up to No. 3 with a gain of 119 spins, inching ahead of Thompson Square’s “I Got You.” New to the Top 10 is Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim,” which lands at No. 8 ahead of Darius Rucker’s “I Got Nothin’” at No. 9.
In the spirit of George Strait’s No. 1, Texas makes a strong showing elsewhere on this chart. Sunny Sweeney’s latest, “Drink Myself Single,” notches the week’s highest debut at No. 64. Kevin Fowler’s “That Girl” also debuts admirably at No. 70, following a triple-digit spin increase. Texan hitmaker Tracy Lawrence is releasing music independently these days, but his latest “The Singer” is up to No. 37.
On his radio promo tour, Tyrone Vaughan stopped by WQHK/Ft. Wayne and performed an acoustic mini-concert which included his single, "Downtime." Vaughan’s debut album is due for release in early 2012. (L-R): Vaughan, WQHK PD Rob Kelley
Other new tracks on this chart include American Idol champ Scotty McCreery’s “The Trouble With Girls” at No. 71, Patrick Davis’ “Lucky” at No. 77, Jimmy White’s “Forever And A Day” at No. 78, Madonna Nash’s “Dirty Little Secret” at No. 79 and JaneDear girls’ “Merry Go Round” at No. 80.
Frozen Playlists: KMOK, KTWI, KYEZ, KYKX, YYK, WAXX, WBKR, WCJW, WCMS, WDHR, WJMQ, WTCM
Upcoming Singles
September 26
Coy Taylor/Fall For You/Twang City/Flying Island Ent.
Bobby Dean/White Lightning or Pink Champagne/Lamon
Crystal Shawanda/Love Enough/Sun/Nine North
Kip Moore/Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck/MCA
October 3
Brent Anderson/Amy’s Song/Sea Gayle/Arista
Corey Smith/Maybe Next Year/Average Joe’s
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville
Trent Tomlinson/A Man Without A Woman/Skyville Records
Blake Wise/Can’t Live Without/Broken Bow
• • • • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville — 64
Kevin Fowler/That Girl/Average Joe’s — 70
Scotty McCreery/The Trouble With Girls/19 Ent./Mercury — 71
Patrick Davis/Lucky/BOC Records — 77
Jimmy White/Forever And A Day/Tone Box — 78
Madonna Nash/Dirty Little Secret/Mad Charm — 79
JaneDear girls/Merry Go Round/Warner Bros./WMN — 80
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Zac Brown Band/Keep Me In Mind/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 328
Luke Bryan/I Don’t Want This Night To End/Capitol — 317
Jason Aldean/Tattoos On This Town/Broken Bow — 282
Lady Antebellum/We Owned The Night/Capitol — 281
Chris Young/You/RCA — 219
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Zac Brown Band/Keep Me In Mind/Southern Ground/Atlantic — 16
Sunny Sweeney/Drink Myself Single/Republic Nashville — 16
Kevin Fowler/That Girl/Average Joe’s — 12
Luke Bryan/I Don’t Want This Night To End/Capitol — 12
Chris Young/You/RCA Nashville — 10
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Erica Nicole/Shave/Heaven — 150
Luke Pilgrim/Sweet Tea/MM/Southern Tracks — 146
Brett Eldredge/It Ain’t Gotta Be Love/Atlantic/WMN — 134
Casey James/Let’s Don’t Call It A Night/BNA — 133
Clay Dustin/I’ll Take That Job/Pure Heart — 127
Attwater/Never Gonna Happen/Twenty Ten — 127
Montgomery Gentry recently helped WKKT morning personality Paul Schadt celebrate his 30th anniversary of waking up Charlotte. MG’s latest single “Where I’m From” is climbing the CountryBreakout Chart at No. 22. (L-R): Schadt, Troy Gentry, WKKT MD Tyler Reese, Eddie Montgomery and Average Joe’s Jay Cruze.
BNA Records artist Wade Bowen recently made a visit to K102 in Minneapolis before his show at Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill." (L-R): KEEY PD Gregg Swedberg, Bowen, and KEEY MD JD Green
CountryBreakout No. 1 Song
/by FreemanThat’s right, George Strait’s “Here For A Good Time” is the CountryBreakout No. 1 song for a second consecutive chart. So apparently a “good time” lasts, at a minimum, two weeks. The track is Strait’s 89th (!) career single, from his 24th (!!) album of the same title. Strait is also the most-nominated country artist in CMA Awards history, with 81 career nominations, as well as the most-awarded with 22 wins. Suffice it to say, we think he’s got a pretty good shot at making it in this crazy country music business.
In addition to Here For A Good Time, Universal Music also recently issued George Strait – Icon, an 11 track collection highlighting his signature hits. Nine of his No. 1 singles are present, including “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” “Ocean Front Property,” “Check Yes or No,” “Give It Away” and more.
Charlie Cook On Air
/by FreemanCost Of Livin’ High And Goin’ Up
The networking is what I want to talk about. We also saw it this year at the Country Radio Seminar. I used to be the research committee chairman for the CRB and every year “networking” came back as the most important feature of the Seminar.
But networking has gotten desperate in the last few years.
“Everythin’ to know about me is written on this page
A number you can reach me, my social and my age.”
You can see it in a guy’s eyes. There is still a good degree of pride but there is also fear—not that the business has passed them by, but that others may think that of them. Fear that they still have two kids in high school and college is right around the corner. Fear that the longer away from the only thing they know, knows no mercy.
“I work weekends if I have to. Nights and holidays.
Give you forty and then some. Whatever it takes.”
It’s not just the radio side of the business that is suffering. Record sales have taken terrible hits in the last five years. Staffs and labels are impacted to their core. These are good people who believe deeply in their artists and love the music. But there is no longer room for them on the promotion and marketing side.
“Gave my last job everythin’ before it headed south.
Took the shoes off my children’s feet and food out of their mouths.”
The bad economic news is all over the radio and TV. Our nation’s unemployment rate has been over 9% for what feels like forever now. I don’t know what the real damage is in our industries. I know that a lot of emails have gone from corporate to Yahoo and that is sad.
“I work sunup to sundown. Ain’t too proud to sweep the floors
and the bank started callin’ and the wolves are at my door.”
I am not smart enough to have a solution to this. Unless President Obama’s jobs plan mandates that consumers have to buy physical CDs and automobiles (radio’s number one sponsor), I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Savings aren’t supposed to save you—they are supposed to soften the landing.
Consumers have decided to add 30,000 miles to their odometer and continue to buy single cuts…when they buy them at all. A lot of the conversation at the NAB was about digital: how great digital is, how to use digital, and why digital is our salvation.
Well ask Sony, Universal, EMI and WB how much they love digital and downloading. Ask Cumulus, CBS and Entercom how much they love digital (read: Pandora, Spotify, etc.)
I am not a Luddite about the Internet. I know that the business is evolving and that we all have to keep up with it. We have to learn how to take advantage of it in everything we do but that pain in the eyes of guys who have worked at five stations or four labels and don’t see a bright future are not at fault for not staying up to date. They are just the consequences of this progress.
I am not saying that you take in an unemployed radio family. You don’t have to send money to out of work label people. But you can think of them. You can pray for them and you can keep your eyes open for them in your company.
“Three Dollars and change at the pump.
The cost of livin’ high and going’ up.”
[Songwriters: Philip Coleman and Ronnie Dunn]
By the way, Ronnie sang this song at the Marconi dinner and received a standing ovation. How often do you see that from a crowd of broadcasters?
Photos: Capitol Street Party, ACL, Gloriana, BJE Conference
/by FreemanLast night’s (9/21) Capitol Street Party drew a crowd of over 12,000 fans to Demonbreun Street to watch as artists Eric Paslay, Eric Church and headliner Alan Jackson perform. New EMI Nashville recording artist Jon Pardi kept the party going into the late hours of the night after the show at the Tin Roof.
(L-R): Capitol Records Nashville SVP of Promotion Steve Hodges, SVP Cindy Mabe, Pardi, Capitol Records Nashville President and CEO Mike Dungan, Jackson, Paslay, Capitol Records Nashville COO Tom Becci.
Eric Church onstage at the Capitol Street Party. Photo: Christie King
• • • • •
BMI’s songwriter stage during Austin City Limits Sept 16-18 drew large crowds and showcased artists from across the nation in a variety of genres such as blues, folk-rock, hip-hop and country. Performers from Nashville, the U.K., the Midwest, New York, and Texas all took turns sharing songs for the large live music event.
(L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley; BMI stage performers James Guldry and Matthew DeMaio of the Kingston Springs, Chancellor Warhol, Jon Pardi and Ian Ferguson and Alexander Geddes of the Kingston Springs; and BMI’s Mark Mason. Photo: Erika Goldring
• • • • •
Emblem/WMN’s Gloriana gathered for a photo following the group’s performance before the CRS board members in Nashville on September 15.
(L-R): CRS' Bill Mayne; Emmis/Indianapolis' Charlie Morgan; Gloriana's Tom Gossin, Rachel Reinert and Mike Gossin; WQYK/Tampa's Mike Culotta; WMN's Chris Stacey and John Esposito. Photo: Kristen England
• • • • •
Belmont University recently held its 2011 Best Job Ever conference, an annual event focusing on music and entertainment trends, evolving job opportunities, and industry networking. This year’s conference featured Emmy Award winning video director George J. Flanigen giving the keynote speech. Flanigen encouraged the audience of aspiring professionals to “get out into the mix and get to work!”
George Flanigen (center) with student organizers.
NBN SoundLand: Day 1
/by FreemanTaylor Goldsmith/Dawes. Photo: Next Big Nashville
The first series of musical performances were held across the courtyard at War Memorial Auditorium. Sometime Nashville resident Jonny Corndawg began the proceedings with a set of good-humored, frequently filthy country songs reminiscent of the Tom T. Hall era. Los Angeles folk-rockers Dawes played the middle set, showcasing soaring melodies and Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith’s instrumental chops.
M. Ward. Photo: Next Big Nashville
In addition to its own set, Dawes served as the backing band for Corndawg and the evening’s closer M. Ward. The Portland-based folkie (also known for being one-half of She & Him with Zooey Deschanel) played solo tracks including “Sad, Sad Song” and “Poor Boy, Minor Key” before being joined for a full band setup with Dawes. Guests during the evening included Deer Tick singer John McCauley, fiddle player Josh Hedley, and members of Nashville’s own Lambchop.
There’s a lot more to come. We’ll keep you updated. In the meantime, check out more pictures from last night here.
Jonny Corndawg. Photo: Next Big Nashville
Industry Ink (9/22)
/by Sarah SkatesPictured seated (L-R): Razor & Tie’s Beka Tischker and Catt Gravitt. Standing: Razor & Tie’s Ross Asher & Lisa Johnson; SESAC’s Tim Fink. Photo: Peyton Hoge
SESAC songwriter Catt Gravitt has signed with Razor & Tie Publishing. Gravitt has writing credits on the current singles from Eden’s Edge (“Amen”) and Jake Owen (“Alone With You”). The Coal Valley, Pa. native has written songs recorded by Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Kenny Rogers. Gravitt is also a successful songwriter in the Christian Music genre having written “In Better Hands,” which Natalie Grant took to No. 1.
• • • • •
Tiffany Bearden
Tiffany Bearden is launching Evolution PR, offering full-scale publicity campaigns as well as individual services including press releases, tour press and social media marketing. Bearden previously spent four years at FrontPage Publicity working with clients Martina McBride, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and more. FrontPage Publicity owner Kathy Best praises, “I consider anyone very lucky to have her on their team.” Contact Tiffany Bearden at tiffany@evolutionprnashville.com or (615) 852-6076 www.evolutionprnashville.com.
• • • • •
Sue Fabisch and Ilene Angel won the Avon Voices songwriting competition. They will receive a trip to New York City in November, and attend the Avon Foundation for Women Gala where their winning songs will be performed in front of a tastemaker audience.
(L-R): Sue Fabisch and Ilene Angel
• • • • •
Melissa Schleicher
Make-up artist Melissa Schleicher, with clients including Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Rascal Flatts, is opening a full-service salon and make-up boutique this fall. Parlour 3 will be located at 144 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN.
• • • • •
Sugar Hill Records released Kenny Vaughan’s solo debut V earlier this month. Vaughan is a member of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives, who also play on the album. Vaughan is a 2006 Instrumentalist of the Year award winner from the Americana Music Association. Veta Cicolello and Theo Antoniadis of Ovvio Arte created the album artwork for V.
Celebrating Vaughan's album release at Earnest Tubb Record Shop (L-R): Vaughn, Stuart and Manuel
Highest Paid Country Stars
/by Sarah Skates*Urban wasn't ranked in 2011, and Sugarland wasn't ranked in 2010.
Forbes’ latest list of “Country Music’s Highest Paid Stars” was released this week, covering gross income earned between May 2010 to May 2011. Major revenue streams for most of the acts on the list includes sponsorships/endorsement deals, touring, publishing income and album sales.
For comparison, MusicRow looked back to the 2010 rankings. Most of the same stars are on both lists, though the graph above shows fluctuations in gross earnings. Ranking for the first time in 2011 is Sugarland.
Forbes reports, “We talked to agents, managers, publishers, lawyers and others in the know to come up with our estimates, which are gross earnings. We do not deduct for taxes or things like agent and manager fees.” See full story here.
2011 Highest Earners
1. Toby Keith $50 million
2. Taylor Swift $45 million
3. Brad Paisley $40 million
4. Tim McGraw $35 million
5. Rascal Flatts $34 million
6. Kenny Chesney $30 million
7. George Strait $24 million
8. Alan Jackson $22 million
9. Carrie Underwood $20 million
10. Sugarland $18 million
2010 Highest Earners
1. Kenny Chesney $50 million
2. Toby Keith $48 million
3. Taylor Swift $45 million
3. Rascal Flatts $45 million
5. Tim McGraw $30 million
6. Keith Urban $28 million
7. George Strait $25 million
8. Brad Paisley $22 million
9. Alan Jackson $15 million
10. Carrie Underwood $13 million
Darren Warren Working Debut EP
/by Sarah SkatesRandy Owen and Darren Warren in the studio.
Darren Warren’s debut EP Cowboy Up And Party Down was released digitally last month and has already sold more than 6500 downloads. The title cut single broke the Top 40 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart last week, and the corresponding music video is in rotation at The Country Network (TCN).
The project was released through NuCorp Entertainment under the direction of Chuck Rhodes.
Warren heads to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis today (9/22) to perform for the Hospital’s Volunteer Service Centers Summit. Warren spent almost three years of his life there while being treated for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Darren Warren visited MR reporter WLLX/Lawrenceburg, TN in support of his debut single, “Cowboy Up and Party Down." Pictured (L-R): midday air personality Zack Wright, and Darren Warren
It was his experience at St. Jude that provided the inspiration for his song “Go Get My Angel,” featuring guest vocals from Alabama’s Randy Owen, founder of Country Cares for St. Jude.
Portions of the proceeds from both his EP and from his label NuCorp Entertainment will go directly to St. Jude.